L. Saucon Upholds Firing Of Officer Accused Of Brutality

Lower Saucon Township Council last night unanimously supported the firing of former police Cpl. Steven Lindstedt, who was handed his pink slip in February after being accused of brutality.

After six nights of hearings, the 29-year-old Bethlehem man failed to convince the five-member council that he acted properly while arresting township resident Willard Thomas Sr. on May 4, 1991. Thomas accused Lindstedt and former Detective Brian Paulson of using excessive force.

Lindstedt's lawyer, Anthony Busillo of the Fraternal Order of Police, will read council's written decision before advising his client whether to appeal to Northampton County Court. Allentown lawyer James Martin, who acted as hearing officer for council, said he'll have the written decision ready within 30 days.

Lindstedt and Paulson had also been accused of roughing up John A. Werner of Bethlehem in June, 1990. Paulson, 27, was fired in May and is appealing the firing to council as well.

Paulson's hearings may begin as early as next month.

Lindstedt's hearings were not open to the public, at his request. But council threw the doors of the meeting room open when they were ready to vote on a decision.

After hearing final arguments last night, council took one hour and 15 minutes to conclude that township Manager James McCann acted properly in firing Lindstedt. McCann is on sick leave and did not attend last night's hearing.

No one involved commented on the decision or the reasoning behind it.

"These were private hearings. For me to comment on the testimony would make them public," said Assistant Township Solicitor Edward McKarski, who represented the township administration in the matter."